Spreading Sarah’s Gift
Dear Editor: God is such a healer, and Sarah Kroger is such a gift, (“Star Power: Young Girl Meets Singer Sarah Kroger, Who Helped Her Through Recovery,” Jan. 17).
Thank you for spreading this good word.
Father Keith O’Hare
Alexandria, Va.
Editor’s note: Father Keith O’Hare is pastor of St. Louis Catholic Church in Alexandria.
An Important Story That Needs to Be Told
Dear Editor: As one of the over 3,700 “war orphans” of the Italian diaspora, who arrived in the USA in April 1965, I must admit that every time I hear the name Msgr. Andrew Landi (“Msgr. Landi’s Legacy ‘Nuanced’ for War Relief Efforts, Adoption Program,” Nov. 8), I get goose bumps.
I have my parents’ birth names, Edward Swanstrom and Virginia Formichi. I will never forget when I started my search for my Italian birth origins and had just their names to begin my search in earnest.
My past was concealed by the Church, and to this day, thousands like me still struggle to find the truth in their identities.
Even though the United States Army left a long paper trail in its wake, it seems like we are condemned to oblivion unless each of us has the courage to speak up and demand justice and transparency from the institutions that tried to cover up our past.
Thanks, Bill Miller, for shedding some light on this dark page of Italian-American history.
John Pierre Campitelli
Foster City, Calif.
A New Bishop
Dear Editor: I read with great interest and joy (“Beach Bound Bishop-Designate Packs Faith, Memories for Florida,” Jan. 17) that Father Manuel de Jesús Rodríguez is now Bishop-designate Rodríguez and is going to be the bishop of Palm Beach now that the Holy Father has accepted Bishop Gerald Barbarito’s letter of resignation.
What great joy for the Diocese of Brooklyn that one of its own has been selected to be elevated to the episcopate and to head a diocese.
I have always said that Brooklyn has the greatest presbyterate. I do know it firsthand because I worked in the diocese and had many encounters with many priests. I always say, “Most of my friends are priests.”
Bishop Barbarito is also a Brooklyn priest, and it was my joy to work alongside him when he was in Brooklyn.
I wish Bishop-designate Rodríguez all of God’s blessings as he takes on this new role. He is fortunate to have Bishop Barbarito to help and guide him.
Maria F. Mastromarino
Manalapan NJ
Holy Cross H.S. Legend
Dear Editor: Ron Vallar, (“Five Decades Later, Holy Cross HS Remains Second Home for Teacher,” Dec.13) you were a gift then. You remain a gift today.
Anthony Ercolano
Flushing